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1976 Datsun 270Z?


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Ok guys my dad has a old 1976 Datsun 270Z that a friend of his let him have. It's sitting in a trailer gathering dust. I have a 91 Accord and my dad loves it. The Datsun needs work, it doesn't turn on and it's Automatic. I see it as a great Project car. I was considering offering the Accord as a trade for it and then gradually fix it up. Anyone have any thoughts on the Datsun? Worth restoring?
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It's probably a 280Z, btw. There was the original 240Z (2.4 liter), the 260Z (2.6 liter), and finally the 280Z (2.8 liter). The 77/78 280z was a bit more desirable than the 75/76, with a bit better integration of the 5mph crash bumpers, and an available 5-speed m/t (wasn't that good, tbh, simply added an even taller gear on top of the already tall 4 speed, added more weight).

 

I owned 3 280Z's, and while they are definitely porkier than the original 240Z, the extra torque from the larger motor made up for it, and the fuel injection was easier to live with than the carburated 2.4-liters.

 

What you need to realize you are getting into, though -

 

1. Parts availability. It's a real old car now, and you'll need to be getting parts fairly often for it. Old Horse Syndrome. Some may be difficult to get your hands on, some may not be cheap.

 

2. Rust. All those older Z's had rust problems. Hell, my first 280Z, which I bought *23* years ago, had rust in the lower body when I bought it. And I bought it from a fairly good owner (boeing engineer). Check it thoroughly for rust, especially lower rear quarter panels, under the doors, corners of the hood. Under the carpet at the front as well.

 

If you are realistic about it, it can be a real fun car.

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It's probably a 280Z, btw. There was the original 240Z (2.4 liter), the 260Z (2.6 liter), and finally the 280Z (2.8 liter). The 77/78 280z was a bit more desirable than the 75/76, with a bit better integration of the 5mph crash bumpers, and an available 5-speed m/t (wasn't that good, tbh, simply added an even taller gear on top of the already tall 4 speed, added more weight).

 

I owned 3 280Z's, and while they are definitely porkier than the original 240Z, the extra torque from the larger motor made up for it, and the fuel injection was easier to live with than the carburated 2.4-liters.

 

What you need to realize you are getting into, though -

 

1. Parts availability. It's a real old car now, and you'll need to be getting parts fairly often for it. Old Horse Syndrome. Some may be difficult to get your hands on, some may not be cheap.

 

2. Rust. All those older Z's had rust problems. Hell, my first 280Z, which I bought *23* years ago, had rust in the lower body when I bought it. And I bought it from a fairly good owner (boeing engineer). Check it thoroughly for rust, especially lower rear quarter panels, under the doors, corners of the hood. Under the carpet at the front as well.

 

If you are realistic about it, it can be a real fun car.

 

Yea I noticed the rust when my dad first got it. It's in really bad shape, needs a paint job and it doesn't turn on anymore. My dad got it for free from his friend. I'll try to get some pics of it. I talked to my dad about it and he was iffy. He used to own one back in the day and had to sell it. I've seen a couple of them around here and they can look really clean.

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IIRC, the 260Z ran '74 - '76, and the 280 was '77-'78. They are essentially the same car, except for displacement, and the 280 was FI while the 260 was carb'd. '79 was the first year for the 280ZX, totally different car, and nowhere near as desirable.

 

Rust is going to be the big issue, and fixing it could easily outweigh the value of the car. Low mileage and nicely restored cars are bringing good money, but you won't get your money back on a restoration just yet. Like a lot of Japanese cars from this era, prices are going up and probably haven't peaked just yet.

 

I had a '78 280 with full suspension and some engine mods that I AutoX'd in the 80's. It was a great car and would hang with early C4 Vettes with no problem. I also had a '73 240 with a 327 Chevy in it that was fast as stink, but IMHO, it ruined the car. I bought it from a friend after he blew the first V8 in it, replaced the engine and sold the car.

 

Most parts for these are available and there's a big aftermarket. Start here: http://www.zcarparts.com/

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I've often dreamed of doing up a s30 with a L28et swap

 

Unfortunately, the reverse flow head really limits the L series motors... IIRC, OS Giken made a crossflow, 24V, twin cam head for the L series, but it was stupid money (like $5k) in the 80's... can't imagine what one would go for these days...

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pics sucker! inside and out!
258k miles - Stock engine/minor suspension upgrades/original shocks/rear struts replaced at 222k/4 passenger side wheel bearings/3 clutches/1 radiator/3 turbos
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Try???? simple: point, shoot, paste:lol:
258k miles - Stock engine/minor suspension upgrades/original shocks/rear struts replaced at 222k/4 passenger side wheel bearings/3 clutches/1 radiator/3 turbos
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Unfortunately, the reverse flow head really limits the L series motors... IIRC, OS Giken made a crossflow, 24V, twin cam head for the L series, but it was stupid money (like $5k) in the 80's... can't imagine what one would go for these days...

 

 

Oh I know they're not the greatest motors. There's just something I like, maybe it was hearing a clip of one, I want to say the guy goes by bigphil on hybirdz, with a 4" exhaust that did it :lol:

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